SAGA SHOP - Haust I Fall 2019

Icelandair Stopover 9 BY LISA GAIL SHANNEN. PHOTO BY ROMAN GERASYMENKO. On July 5, 2019, the iconic Vatnajökull National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding a third Icelandic location of natural or cultural significance to the prestigious United Nations list. Stretching from the icy, multi-tongued hems of Vatnajökull—Europe’s largest ice cap—in the South, across super-black deserts of sand and cinder, to the spectacular terrain of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon in the North, the extensive region covers an area of around 5,405 square miles (14,000 km 2 ), or approximately 14% of Iceland’s landmass. Featuring an intoxicating mix of geological marvels and natural wond- ers, the national park, which was established in 2008, is recognized for its dynamic appeal and outstanding universal value. It’s home to Herðu- breið and Snæfell—the respective queen and king of Icelandic moun- tains, and Hvannadalshnjúkur, the country’s highest peak. In addition to providing a unique setting for the study of glaciers and sub-glacial volcanoes, such as Grímsvötn and Bárðarbunga, the region presents an epic chapter of nature where you can observe the dramatic interplay of fire and ice and the impressive results of dramatic meltwater epis- odes such as jökulhlaup —sudden glacial floods triggered by volcanic events—which are still actively shaping the land.